Here are samples of compositions by Wallace De Pue in various styles. The first section is a selection of works for which you may download a pdf of the printed score for perusal, as well as listen to a MP3 performance recording. Below this is a further list of recordings only. Printed copies of all these, and many more in the full catalog, are available for purchase.

THREE DIABOLICAL SONGS (tenor & piano) is based on three of the most pitiful characters found in the Holy Bible: Cain, Haman and Saul. The first murderer, Cain, is tormented by the Lord’s question, "Cain, where is thy brother, Abel?" to the point that his mind is never at peace. Haman, the jeering, sadistic statesman from the book of Esther, jests with Mordecai about a "big surprise" that will be given to the Jews. He hints that it is like the letter L, but upside down. Saul is being comforted by his subject, David as the latter plays the harp. As Saul listens, he imagines himself as his harpist, David. Saul’s tremendous jealousy can hardly be contained within him. The songs present a tour de force of drama. (9:35) #5

Many more songs by Wallace De Pue may be found in the SONGS catalog section.

A CALL FROM HOME (solo violin) is a contemporary piece whose theme is based upon the family land-telephone number. The music is a sensitive, audience friendly piece, when performed by an exceptional violinist. Jason De Pue premiered the work in a very important recital. The audience reaction was quite positive. Jason is in the first violin section of the Philadelphia Orchestra.

SUITE for STRINGS
(string quartet) is based upon a historical suite containing a Prelude, Allemande, Courante, Sarabande, Minuet, and Gigue. Either professional players or advanced students can play this audience friendly, contemporary award-winning piece; however, only truly sensitive musicians should attempt a performance. (11:40) #

Here are audio files of works by Wallace De Pue. Printed copies are available for purchase. Many more works may be found in the full catalog.

Click on a song title link to hear the recording.
Or download it to your computer to listen to later with a Right-click and Save As. (Or however YOUR computer system does it!)

EIGHT TEXTURES OF LOVE consists of eight award winnings poems about love that are set to Twenty-first Century compositional techniques to create an art song for voice and piano. There are two versions of the piece, one for soprano and one for baritone. This work was premiered at the Bowling Green State University 1994 New Music Festival by Dr. Deborah Kavasch, soprano, and Dr. Mark Munson, pianist. It was heard on international radio stations.

HOW I LOVE YOU… (tenor voice - optional soprano for a duet - and piano) is for a daring couple to consider for their wedding and depart from music that is done in anyone else’s wedding. I HAVE A LOVE is for either a man or a woman to sing with organ or piano accompaniment. This is not an ordinary wedding song, inasmuch as it is not written for first time weddings. THE WEDDING VOW (is a heart-felt love song for a man’s bride for tenor voice and piano) This piece is intended for a couple who will consider something that is new in wedding music literature.

OUT OF THE DEPTHS (Psalm 130 - SATB divided)
The wonderful choral works from the Eastern Orthodox Church inspired this piece. The voices are divided to simulate a “built in organ” effect that soars to spiritual heights. This work was performed by a university choir and taken on a national tour. The audience response was amazing. The music is written in a contemporary harmonic style.

THE LAKE MADE OF MIRROR (mezzo soprano, harpsichord or
piano and violin OR violin and Bb clarinet and flute) is a pensive song about Heaven and Earth. It is also arranged for soprano, flute, piano and Bb clarinet. The Birdwatcher has the same music with a different text.

NO LAMENT is a song for piano and treble voice (tenor or soprano) that uses a beautiful anonymous poem concerning life after death. This poetry is inspiring and a balm to grief. This song is ideal for funeral and/or memorial services.

SONATA PRIMITIF (marimba/piano) is a piece for artist performers to play in recitals. It Arthur Shepherd Competition, in the Ohio State Music Composition Contest. This piece is published by Colla Voce, Inc. (6:00) #5

BURGUNDIAN CAROL (SATB / optional piano) is an arrangement of a traditional carol that has lasted through time. The text is a retelling of the events that occurred when Christ was born in the manger. The mystery is extant in the choral setting.

CAMPTOWN RACES (TTBB) by Stephen Foster, was arranged by Wallace De Pue, Sr.

THE MAN OF GOD (SSAATTBB baritone or bass soloist) John Jorn was studying to become a Lutheran minister when he presented a tape recording of his piano improvisation of this piece with passages from the Bible to Wallace De Pue with a request that an arrangement be made for the Chapel Choir of Capital University in Columbus, Ohio. Jorn sang the solo when the choir went on tour and thrilled everyone who heard the piece. "The Man of God" was dedicated to Dr. Ellis Emmanuel Snyder, director of the Chapel Choir. This music is a monument to Jorn's musical talent. He is deceased.

HANUKKAH (narrator / two-part treble voices / piano / light percussion, or SATB piano, light percussion). The story of “The Festival of Lights,” Hanukkah, is told in this piece that celebrates the Jewish holiday similar to Christmas.

THE BOLD SIR GEORGE The Bold Sir George (unison or simple two-part treble voices with piano accompaniment) is excellent for children to sing. Chord symbols are added to the piano score for those who are less proficient at the piano.

Further details of all these works may be found in the CHORAL WORKS catalog.

FOR THE GOOD FOLK (harpsichord solo) is a student work that incorporates six folk song melodies set in traditional counterpoint. (2:23) #3

OLD TIME RELIGION (SATB / alto or tenor soloist) is a rousing, “tent meeting” piece arranged to “stop the show.” It has been performed across the United States and has enjoyed wonderful audience reception. The solo line is arranged for either alto or tenor by affording small notes for the tenor part. In choirs where there may be an exceptional solo voice in either the alto or tenor section, this arrangement will bring a standing ovation for the choir.

PLEASE MR COLUMBUS (SATB/piano or TTBB/piano) was a song written by Ray Allen, Sam Saltzbery and Wandra Merrell. Someone arranged it in barbershop harmony and Bowling Green State University’s Men’s Chorus (Ohio) made it famous. Wallace De Pue, Sr., gained permission from Warner Brothers Publishing Co. to arrange and publish the piece. Dr. Charles Snyder premiered the arrangement, conducting the All-Ohio Youth Choir at the Ohio State Fair. As a result of his effort, “Mr. Columbus” has enjoyed several performances. The piece is hilarious, especially when choreographed. Here is PLEASE MR COLUMBUS FOR SATBAnd here is PLEASE MR COLUMBUS FOR TTBB

PSALM 150 “Praise God in his Sanctuary” (SATB / piano or organ) This work was commissioned by the volunteer choir of the First Presbyterian Church of Seguin, Texas, as a piece of celebration for the 150th Anniversary of the church. A piece was required that would fit the prowess of a small choir with conservative vocal ranges in each section of singers; in addition, it was asked that the organ part be within the capabilities of the organist of a small church. Still, the choristers wanted something challenging, something that would be joyful and inspiring. They loved this composition.

SING DEM HERREN (5-voice canon) is published by Alfred Publishing, P.O.Box 10003, Van Nuys, CA - 91410-0003 - Phone: (818) 891.5999). It may be ordered by title. The order number may be SV8640. Michael Praetorius composed this canon for 2 to 5 voices in any combination, and Wallace De Pue, Sr., arranged it. Both English and German texts are present. As a processional, this piece is tops! Here is SING DEM HERREN FOR SSAS
and here is SING DEM HERREN FOR TTBB

SOLI DEO GLORIA (SATB, divided sopranos) is a composition for the artist choir to perform. Either in concert or in church, for general, Christmas or Easter use, this work has an astounding effect. The texture is polyphonic, the musical language is contemporary and the rhythm is asymmetric. The Bowling Green State University Collegiate Chorale performed this work all over the nation; rave reviews appeared in many newspapers. The text is simply “Soli Deo Gloria.”

THE ANIMAL FUGUE is all Sprechstimme (spoken) in four voices, and may be done by any choir. Audiences respond to it wildly! The piece is in four parts: 1) Teacher, 2) Kitty Kat, 3) Rooster, and 4) snake. A free CD containing the piece and a score of it are available upon request. (1:30) #1 VERY EASY

Further details of all these works may be found in the CHORAL WORKS catalog.

SONATA LYCANTHROPE (piano solo) is a contemporary composition for the virtuoso
pianist. Each of the two movements are related; however, each movement can stand
independently from the other. Movement I (5:15). Movement II (8:40) #5+

A CHRISTMAS CARD (SATB / organ or piano) was commissioned by Dr. Joseph Henry and the Peoria Civic Choral, Peoria, Illinois. This anthem is reminiscent of a popular music style similar to "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire…" Although the piece seems innocent and straightforward, it is a study in counterpoint. The lines are all quite melodic, so they are appreciated by any audience.

ALEXANDER’S LULLABY (SATB) was written for the birth of the composer’s second son, Alexander, to welcome him into the world with music.

THE FATHERLAND (TTBB / vln. or two woodwinds / optional yodeler) is a unique program offering and will add much contrast to a concert of men’s voices. The violin part may be played by anyone who has studied the instrument, even for a short time. The singer may be either a tenor or a bass, that is, if a singer is used. The Bowling Green State University

THE MANGER SCENE (SATB-brief solos for a soprano and a bass-baritone) is a setting of what went on in the manger on the night when Christ was born. The music is in traditional harmony that supports flowing melodic lines. This work has been toured all over the nation by at least two fine college choirs. “The Manger Scene” should be placed between two fast pieces on a choral program.

GLORY TO ALMIGHTY GOD (SATB) is a remarkably exciting piece. As an opening number, the audience will respond immediately and afford its attention. This work was taken on a national tour by a university choir and was a favorite with audiences from coast to coast. This is good for all occasions.

SERENADE is
a
piece
for
solo
violin
and
piano.
Although
it
sounds
peaceful,
easy
and
beautiful,
the
section
in
double-stops
requires
considerable
performance
technique.
This
work
is
a
lovely
solo,
in
quintuple-simple
meter,
that
provides
a
good
contrast
to
a
recital
program.
Serenade
is
perfect
for
placement
between
two
fast
pieces.
Great
musical
sensitivity
with
fine
intonation
is
imperative
for
the
utmost
positive
effect
of
this
work.
(4:00)
#4
SERENADE is in the INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLES catalog section.

TRUE? (SATB) The baseline of this music is an ornamented, continuous descending scale throughout the piece; that implies the never-ending story of the birth of Christ.

WHY DO I REMEMBER? (Four-part canon for voices in any combination / piano) is a perpetual canon that is in counterpoint with well known Christmas carols.)

GOOBER PEAS (TTBB / barbershop quartet / percussion: two paper-covered hair combs, cider jug, slide whistle, washboard and two spoons) is an arrangement of a Civil War song about peanuts, a staple food for Confederate soldiers. The Ohio State University Men’s Chorus did a superb performance of the work with the “band” in costume. It was a hit with audiences every time they performed it at home and on tours.

THE
PIZZICATO
POLKA (Johann
Strauss,
Jr.)
is
arranged
for
four
violins
to
be
“the
life
of
the
party.”
Audiences
love
it
when
the
music
is
played
by
four
equally
capable
violinists.
#3-

SEPARATION (SATB, divided voices) Halloween, contemporary. The poet, Sidney Johnson, wrote a poem about a soul becoming lost after being freed from his/her body by death. Wallace De Pue set the poem so that it would be appropriate for a late Fall concert. There are eerie contemporary choral effects that audiences enjoy.

WE ARE ONE America’s Day of Wrath” (SATB) Dr. Cheryl Sawyer penned the following text to express her feelings about the terrorist attack on 9-11-01. This powerful
poem has inspired a moving piece of music based on the chant, “Dies Irae,” that will have a profound effect on any singer or listener.

A PORTRAIT OF A WHITE BUTTERFLY was composed for a pianist who wished to
enhance her technique. The piece is an etude whose desired tempo is a quarter note to equal
120. For approximately 109 seconds at 120, a student can sound like a virtuoso pianist if s/he
has mastered this work. A Portrait… is a romantic imitation of the common white butterfly
found in a garden; first it flies as if there is a innate design to follow; then, suddenly, the
butterfly becomes sporadic! The title is appropriate to the content of the piece. (1:04) #3-
Find WHITE BUTTERFLY in the KEYBOARD MUSIC catalogue section.

ZIGEUNERWEISEN
“Gypsy
Aires”
(four
violins)
is
by
one
of
the
great
virtuoso
violinists
of
his
era,
Pablo
de
Sarasate.
Wallace
De
Pue,
Sr.,
has
arranged
Sarasate’s
piece
for
four
violins,
one
acting
as
a
soloist.
The
music
is
extremely
entertaining
as
a
concert
piece
in
two
movements.
This
music
is
good
for
educational
purposes
too;
a
teacher
playing
with
three
of
his
students
can
do
much
with
this
piece
to
encourage
his/her
developing
pupils.
(9:15)
The
solo
part
is
#4;
the
student
parts
are
#3‐.

THE FIDDLER’S FAIR (TTBB / violin) is a piece that affords fine contrast to a monochrome concert of men’s voices; however, it requires a good country fiddler who can play by ear, or a violinist who can read music. The Men’s Chorus of Bowling Green State University toured this piece throughout America.

A PRAYER TO THE MUSE (unison or two-part singing by treble voices / piano. Another arrangement is for S or A and T or B voices. When sung in unison, the second voice is transferred to the right-hand part for the pianist. When the piece is sung in two parts, the pianist has the option of playing both the treble and bass staves or using both hands on the music in the bass staff. This piece may serve as a secular benediction for the end of a concert of music. This prayer is not a religious work, but it has that character. The piano part emits an "antique flavor" that will entice a listener. The music should be sung in English; however, the musical message may be easily understood by an international audience.

THE BELLS (SSAATTBB) , by Edgar Allan Poe, may be the most musical poetry ever written. Each of the four parts, Alarm Bells, Iron Bells, Silver Bells, and Golden Bells, is based on the metal referred to in their respective titles.
ALARM BELLS (SATB, divided) is based on the brass, the metal used on fire engines. The music is fast moving and frantic to portray the urgency of the poem.

IRON BELLS (SATB) portrays the unfair and heartless angel of death. The tempo is slow and pensive, except in the center section when the music expresses the delight that death enjoys when breaking the human heart.

SILVER BELLS (SSAATTBB), such as found on a sleigh, give the sound of excitement and enjoyment. This piece expresses the merriment of the poem.

GOLDEN BELLS (SSAATTBB) is the metal of engagement rings and wedding bells. They are joyful, shining and precious. The music texture is “chiming” at all times while the poem unwinds.

CORONATION (SATB / organ / brass quintet) is excellent for Easter. This piece was commissioned by a Methodist church in Columbus, Ohio, and given a premiere by Dr. Lawrence Christopherson. His volunteer choir did an excellent performance.

DISCIPLE VARIATIONS (organ solo) - This piece will
require a fine organist who can thrill a congregation with this prize winning music. (4:55) #4

A GREAT LIGHT (SATB / hand clapping or percussion accompaniment) is a thoroughly exciting contemporary piece that is appropriate for an artist choir. A Great Light" employs asymmetric meters and seventh-chord harmony. It is appropriate for concert or church performances.

JUMP DOWN, TURN AROUND (TBB) is of Afro-American origin. This piece is so rhythmically full of pep that one cannot hold still while listening to it. Simple choreography makes it even more exciting. This arrangement has been chosen for OMEA contest lists in Ohio, and it has enjoyed many performances by high school and college choruses. This piece is handled by Colla Voce Music, Inc. , 4600 Sunset Ave., #83, Indianapolis, IN 46208. The order number is 55-48311. Contact collavoce.com .

THE SENSIBLE BIRD (soprano soloist, full orchestra and SATB chorus) is about how
a bird views mankind, from her position between heaven and earth.
Look up, Mankind! I am the brightly colored bird, soaring above you.
Not to make holes in the dense, white, forms protecting the firmament, do I fly...

LATINESQUES (piano solo) is Latino in flavor, something that can add charm to a piano
recital. (2:14) #3+

A MINOR MASTERPIECE is for 3 to 5 voices. It was written by Franz Joseph Haydn
and arranged by Wallace De Pue, Sr. Of all the canons ever written, this Austrian
masterpiece is one of the loveliest.

NICAEA “Holy, Holy, Holy” (Descant, optional Congregation, SATB, optional
Piano/organ) The music is by John B. Dykes, 1861. The hymn is by Reginald Heber,
published 1826. This is one of the truly great hymns of the Christian Church. A proper
performance must employ a good soprano who can sing the descant part and project
above the choir. Ideally, the congregation should be invited to sing on cue from the
conductor. In lieu of congregation singing, selected voices may be used. In lieu of a
soprano soloist, a clarinet may be use to realize the descant. The piano or the organ may accompany the singers, or the piece may be sung a cappella. A fine performance of this arrangement by Wallace De Pue can move the soul of a listener.

ONE FOR THE LITTLE BITTY BABY (SATB divided and 12 selected voices) is a
Xmas jubilee song done with a chorus and selected singers for the small, core group. As an example, the chorus may sing, “Children, go where I send thee! I’m agonna sent you four-by-four,” and the core singers reply, “four-by-four” as a quartet, “five-by-five” as a quintet, etc. The overall effect is striking and much appreciated by the audience.

THE TOY CAN(N)ON (SATB) may be the only piece of music in music literature that enables a single melody to create a double canon, a contrary canon, a spiral canon, a canon in augmentation, a cancrizan, and a perpetual canon. All of these types of canons are in this piece for SATB.

WHY DO I REMEMBER? (Four-part canon for voices in any combination / piano) is a
perpetual canon that is in counterpoint with well known Christmas carols.

WIND SONGS (double chorus: voices 1-2-3 & voices A-B-C). This canonmay be
arranged in a variety of ways by the choir director. #5

WOULDN’T YOU LIKE TO GO TO CHRISTMAS TOWN? (3 voices, 1 a tenor or
bass / hand-claps / finger snaps and piano) is a sparkling treat that is based on a perpetual canon. As an opener to a Jr. High School Christmas concert, it would be exceptional. This piece was composed with the cambiata voice in mind.

PSALM 1 "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked."
(SATB / organ / percussion: tone bells, finger cymbals, suspended cymbal, large and
small drums) The lyrical melodic lines are set in contemporary counterpoint that is
designed to enhance the mood of the words. The contrasting section is very rhythmic,
but not difficult. Excitement is often provided by small percussion instruments, such as sticks, that are available in practically any school or college.

THE RHAPSODY of JEKYLL and HYDE (piano solo) is for the highly advanced pianist. This piece depicts a murder scene in the composer’s opera, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The story is above the piano score to aid the pianist in his/her interpretation. (10:52) #5

SLEEP, HOLY BABE (SATB) was written by the poet, Edward Caswell (1878), and set
to music by Wallace De Pue, Sr. If one wishes to end a Christmas program with a quiet, peaceful composition, this piece should be considered.

THE HIGHWAYMAN (narrator/violoncello/piano)
is
based
upon
the
poem
of
the
same
name
by
Alfred
Lord
Noyes
(1880-­‐1958).
The
piece
is
written
in
a
Twenty-­‐First
Century
style.
This
music
is
somewhat
programmatic,
i.e.,
“somewhat,”
meaning
that
the
poem
may
or
may
not
be
included
in
the
program;
however,
it
is
in
the
score
to
further
enable
the
musicians
to
interpret
the
piece.
(8:25)
#4+

THE FIDDLER AND THE DRAGON (actor, violin/voice/piano)
The
actor
is
pretending
to
be
an
invisible
dragon
in
search
of
another
slave
to
serve
him
(He
is
representing
drug
addiction).
He
hears
a
wonderful
fiddler
in
a
small
village
and
promises
the
fiddler
great
success
in
the
world
of
music, IF the
fiddler
will
follow
him.
(17:00)
#4
See
a
video
of
this
performed
on
Youtube PART 1PART 2

VARIATIONS CORRIGANESQUES (harpsichord solo, live) is a highly contemporary
composition for the “artist” harpsichordist. There are 15 variations on the composer’s theme;
all are closely related. (21:00) #5+

HOLD MY HAND (SATB) This piece is a Negro jubilee that is practically unknown.
Wallace De Pue, Sr. arranged it in traditional harmony, but with an unusual twist; it may be sung as written and then sung a second time with a doubling of the tempo! The effect is smashing! This piece won a place on the C7 International Competition.

NEVER HAVE I FELT LONELY (soprano and string quartet) is from the opera, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. A lady is singing about being alone on a lovely evening. (2:30) #3

O SING UNTO THE LORD (SATBB) is a polyphonic piece that is written with the
techniques employed by composers of Italian madrigals in the Renaissance period. The
added bass part provides a warmth of sound that can cause this music to provide a
splendid contrast to a choral concert. This piece is appropriate for a good high school or
college madrigal group or choir. The text, based on phrases in the Bible, allows this
piece to be available for general use, Easter or Christmas. This music is an expression of
sheer joy.

BALLADE (piano solo) is a contemporary piece that can impress an audience in a
competition or in a recital. The composer is a pianist who knows how to compose for the
instrument. (3:54) #4

FUGUE EVOLUTION - Marimba solos

A MINOR INVENTION is a Baroque era style, three-part invention in compound time; it is in
allegretto tempo. (1:06)

THE FLIGHT OF A SEA MAJOR is another Baroque era style, three-part invention in simple
meter at an allegretto tempo. (1:07) 3+

CHROMATOPHORE (2
violins/bassoon/piano)
is
an
orchestrated
Baroque
style
invention
for
amateur
musicians
who
may
play
instruments
in
this
unusual
instrumentation.
This
piece
was
commissioned
by
the
father
of
a
musical
family.
The
world
premiere
was
done
by
the
father’s
family
over
international
radio.
The
composition
is
Baroque
in
character
and
uses
consonant
counterpoint.
(2:39)
#3

A LITTLE TOCCATA (snare
drum/field
drum/piano)
would
be
appreciated
by
any
audience
as
an
encore
piece
in
a
percussion
recital.
(2:00)
#3-

PRELUDE AND A DORIAN DANCE (2-­‐2-­‐2-­‐2
/
4-­‐2-­‐3-­‐1
/
2
perc
/
strings)
was
written
for
the
Blue
Lake
Youth
Orchestra
of
Three
Lakes,
Michigan.
It
has
enjoyed
many
performances,
both
in
Europe
and
in
the
United
States.
As
the
title
suggests,
there
are
two
sections,
the
first
one,
is
in
a
melancholy
mood,
and
the
second,
in
a
vigorous,
triple-­‐simple
rhythm
kind
of
modal
dance.
The
harmonic
language
is
traditional.
(5:05)
#2

THE STAR CAROL (SATB / optional piano) This Neapolitan carol was arranged by
Wallace De Pue, Sr., to provide a quiet, lovely piece about the Christmas Star. Most of
the bass part is an ostinato.

A THOUGHT (soprano/piano or string quartet) by Emily Dickenson (1830-1886), poetess,
is a lovely way to start or end a voice recital. (2:12) #2

WITH RUE MY HEART (SATB) was published by Moon of Hope
Publishing, but is distributed only by Picardie Court Publications. Wallace De Pue, Sr.
set music to A. E. Housman’s lovely poem:
With rue my heart is laden, for golden friends I had,
for many a rose-lipped maiden and many a light-foot lad.
By brooks too broad for leaping, the light-foot lads are laid.
The rose-lipped maids are sleeping, in fields where roses fade.
This piece is somber in nature and provides an excellent contrast to a program of up
tempo music. The piece is as pensive and delicate as the soul moving text.

Here is a recording of Wallace De Pue's opera Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, performed by faculty and students of Bowling Green State University. Further details may be found on this site's OPERA PAGE.